FrenchCanadian

French Canadian is a term used for Canadians who are descended from French settlers or who identify with the Francophone communities of Canada. It is most closely associated with Quebec, where French is the majority language, but it also encompasses Francophone populations in other provinces and territories, including New Brunswick, Ontario, Manitoba, and the Atlantic provinces, as well as Acadian and Franco-Ontarian communities.

Historically, French Canadians trace their origins to New France, established in the 16th and 17th centuries along the Saint Lawrence River and in eastern Canada. After the British conquest in 1763, French-speaking communities preserved language, religion, and civil traditions in Quebec and elsewhere. A growing sense of distinct francophone identity emerged over the centuries, culminating in the Quiet Revolution of the 1960s in Quebec. The Canadian government enacted the Official Languages Act in 1969, formalizing bilingualism at the federal level, and Quebec implemented laws to protect the French language, notably Bill 101 in 1977.

Language plays a central role in French Canadian identity. French varieties in Canada, especially Quebec French, differ in vocabulary and usage from other Francophone regions, but most Canadians recognize both official languages at the federal level. The term can refer to cultural identity as well as language, with some people preferring terms such as Quebecer or Francophone to reflect regional nuance.

Culture and demographics: French Canadian communities have a rich tradition in literature, music, cuisine, and regional festivals. While Quebec contains the largest Francophone population, sizeable French-speaking communities exist across Canada, contributing to a bilingual and bicultural national landscape.